Methods and compositions for treating hypercholesterolemia

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating hypercholesterolemia using therapeutic apoE proteins. A therapeutic apoE protein is a naturally-occurring apoE protein (e.g., apoE1, apoE2, apoE2*, apoE2**, apoE3, and apoE4) that has one or more amino acid substitutions in the carboxy-terminal region which, when administered to a mammal having hypercholesterolemia, reduces the plasma cholesterol levels without inducing hypertriglyceridemia. The invention also provides a method for reducing plasma cholesterol using low doses of naturally-occurring apoE proteins.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/607,530, filed on Sep. 7, 2004, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

STATEMENT AS TO FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH

This invention was funded by grant HL68216 from the National Instituteof Health. The government may have certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

ApoE is a polymorphic protein in humans and promotes the clearance oflipoproteins remnants. There are three common alleles (ε4, ε3, and ε2)that encode apoE in humans. The three isoforms (apoE4, apoE3, and apoE2,respectively) result from mutations at amino acid residues 112 and 158.ApoE4 contains arginine at both positions. ApoE3 contains cysteine atresidue 112 and arginine at reside 158. ApoE2 contains cysteine at bothpositions. There also exists three rare alleles: apoE1 (G127D/R158C);apoE2* (R145C); and apoE2** (K146Q).

ApoE is a component of VLDL, IDL, HDL, chylomicrons and chylomicronremnants, and is required for the clearance of lipoprotein remnants fromthe circulation. Lipoprotein-bound apoE is the ligand for the LDLreceptor as well as other LDL receptor family members and SR-BI. Invitro and in vivo studies have shown that the apoE2 isoform and otherapoE mutants that prevent binding of apoE-containing lipoproteins to theLDL receptor are associated with high plasma cholesterol levels andcause premature atherosclerosis in humans and experimental animals. ApoEpromotes cholesterol efflux and thus may contribute to cell and tissuecholesterol homeostasis and protection from atherosclerosis. ApoE isalso a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and may contribute to lipidhomeostasis in the brain.

It was shown that overexpression of full-length apoE (by infection ofmice with 1-2×10⁹ pfu) did not correct the high cholesterol levels ofthe apoE^(−/−) mice; in contrast, it increased VLDL triglyceridesecretion and induced hypertriglyceridemia. Overexpression of apoE3 orapoE4 also aggravated the hypercholesterolemia in apoE2 knock-in mice.The high cholesterol profile of apoE^(−/−) mice or the apoE2 knock-inmice was corrected by infection with truncated apoE forms lackingdifferent segments of the C-terminal domain. The hypertriglyceridemiainduced by full-length apoE was independent of the apoE phenotype andmouse strain and could be corrected by: overexpression of lipoproteinlipase. In normal C57BL/6 mice overexpression of full-length apoEinduced combined hyperlipidemia, characterized by high cholesterol andhigh triglyceride levels.

Previous in vitro experiments have shown that residues 260-269 of apoEare important for binding of apoE to lipids and lipoproteins. Use of aseries of apoE deletion mutants extending from amino acid 1 to aminoacids 185, 202, 229 or 259 mapped the region responsible for thehypertriglyceridemia between amino acids 260-299 of apoE. Deletion ofresidues 260-299 of apoE diminished greatly the ability of the truncatedapoE to solubilize multilamellar dimyristoyl-L-α-phosphatidyl-choline(DMPC) vesicles. Further, deletion of residues 166-299, 203-299, or230-299 completely eliminates the ability of apoE to solubilizemultilamellar DMPC vesicles. Thus, the carboxy-terminal 260-299 aminoacids of apoE is involved in the initial association of apoE withphospholipid, a process that may be required for the formation ofapoE-containing lipoproteins. Once apoE is lipoprotein-bound, it may betaken up by the LDL receptor. The contribution of receptors other thanthe LDL receptor in the clearance of apoE-containing lipoproteinremnants was previously assessed by studies in apoE^(−/−)×LDLr^(−/−)double-deficient mice (Kypreos, et al., 2003). However, neither thefull-length apoE2 or apoE4 nor the truncated apoE2-202 (deletion ofresidues 203-299) or apoE4-202 corrected the high cholesterol profilesof the apoE^(−/−)×LDLr^(−/−) double-deficient mice. Thus, in the absenceof this receptor, lipoprotein receptor related protein (LRP) and heparansulfate proteoglycans are not sufficient to clear the lipoproteinsremnants, which accumulate in the plasma of the double-deficient mice(Kypreos, et al., 2003).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the discovery that thecholesterol-lowering effect of naturally-occurring apoE proteins can besubstantially dissociated from the hypertriglyceridemic effect byselective mutation of amino acids in the C-terminal region of theprotein. These mutated apoE proteins (“therapeutic apoE proteins”), andthe nucleic acids that encode them, may be used therapeutically fortreating hypercholesterolemia and associated disorders such asatherosclerosis.

The invention features therapeutic apoE proteins, and nucleic acidsencoding therapeutic apoE proteins, which are substantially identical tonaturally-occurring apoE protein (e.g., apoE4 (SEQ ID NO. 1), apoE3 (SEQID NO. 2), apoE2 (SEQ ID NO. 3), apoE1 (SEQ ID NO. 4), apoE2* (SEQ IDNO. 5), and apoE2** (SEQ ID NO. 6)) but contain at least one amino acidsubstitution or deletion in the carboxy-terminal region. Preferably, theapoE protein is a human apoE protein. Preferably, the substitution ordeletion is in helix 8 or helix 9 of the apoE protein. Particularlyuseful helix 8 substitutions include L261X, W264X, F265X, L268X, andV269X, wherein X is any amino acid. Preferably, X is alanine. Thus, inpreferred embodiments, the therapeutic apoE protein contains at leastone of L261A, W264A, F265A, L268A, or V269A. More preferably, thetherapeutic apoE protein contains two, three, four, or all five of theamino acid substitutions L261A, W264A, F265A, L268A, and V269A.Therefore, particularly useful therapeutic apoE proteins having helix 8substitutions include, for example,apoE2[L261A/W264A/F265A/L268A/V269A],apoE3[L261A/W264A/F265A/L268A/V269A],apoE4[L261A/W264A/F265A/L268A/V269A].

Particularly useful helix 9 substitutions include W276X, L279X, V283X,V287X, and V293X, wherein X is any amino acid. Preferably, X is alanine.Thus, in preferred embodiments, the therapeutic apoE protein contains atleast one of W276A, L279A, V283A, V287A, and V293A. More preferably, thetherapeutic apoE protein contains the amino acid substitutions W276A,L279A, V283A, V287A, and V293A. Therefore, particularly usefultherapeutic apoE proteins having helix 9 substitutions include, forexample, apoE2[W276A/L279A/V283A/V287A/V293A],apoE3[W276A/L279A/V283A/V287A/V293A], andapoE4[W276A/L279A/V283A/V287A/V293A].

The therapeutic proteins of the invention can be used to reduce plasmacholesterol in a mammal (e.g., a human), without inducinghypertriglyceridemia. Any of the therapeutic apoE proteins of thepreviously described embodiments may be used in this method. Thetherapeutic apoE protein may be administered by any appropriate route;however, intravenous injection is preferred. Any condition that ischaracterized by hypercholesterolemia may be treated according to themethods of this invention including, for example, atherosclerosis.

The therapeutic proteins of the invention can also be used to reduceplasma cholesterol in a mammal (e.g., a human), without inducinghypertriglyceridemia, by administering to the mammal an effective amountof a nucleic acid encoding a therapeutic apoE protein, operably linkedto a promoter that, when expressed in the target cells, is capable ofexpressing said therapeutic apoE protein which is a naturally-occurringapoE protein having at least one amino acid substitution in thecarboxy-terminal region. Preferably, the therapeutic apoE nucleic acidsare contained within a recombinant viral vector such as anadeno-associated vector, a lentiviral vector, a herpes viral vector, ora retroviral vector. Preferably, the vectors are administered to theliver or are administered by intravenous injection. The vectors may beassociated with liposomes to facilitate delivery.

The therapeutic proteins of the invention can also used to treathypercholesterolemia in a mammal (e.g., a human) by administering to themammal a naturally-occurring apoE protein (e.g., apoE1, apoE2, apoE2*,apoE2**, apoE3, or apoE4) in an amount sufficient to reduce plasmacholesterol without inducing hypertriglyceridemia. Preferably, themethod results in a steady-state plasma apoE concentration of less than60 mg/dl.

By “therapeutic apoE proteins” is meant any protein which issubstantially identical to a naturally-occurring apoE protein and whichcontains amino acid substitutions and/or deletions in thecarboxy-terminal region which, when administered to a mammal, reduceplasma cholesterol levels without inducing hypertriglyceridemia.

By “carboxy-terminal region,” when referring to any apoE protein, ismeant the region corresponding to amino acid residues 260-299 of humanapoE.

By “reducing plasma cholesterol,” following a therapeutic intervention,is meant any reduction in plasma cholesterol of at least 5%, 10%, 15%,20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50% or more relative to the plasma cholesterollevels prior to therapy. Preferably, plasma cholesterol is reduced to alevel that is typical of age and gender matched peers.

By “without inducing hypertriglyceridemia,” following a therapeuticintervention, is meant the inducing no more than a 25%, 50%, 75%, or100% increase in plasma triglyceride levels relative to pre-treatmentlevels.

By “substantially identical” is meant a polypeptide or nucleic acidexhibiting at least 75%, but preferably 85%, more preferably 90%, mostpreferably 95%, or even 99% identity to a reference amino acid ornucleic acid sequence. For polypeptides, the length of comparisonsequences will generally be at least 20 amino acids, preferably at least30 amino acids, more preferably at least 40 amino acids, and mostpreferably 50 amino acids. For nucleic acids, the length of comparisonsequences will generally be at least 60 nucleotides, preferably at least90 nucleotides, and more preferably at least 120 nucleotides.

By “operably linked” is meant that a nucleic acid molecule and one ormore regulatory sequences (e.g., a promoter) are connected in such a wayas to permit expression and/or secretion of the product (i.e., apolypeptide) of the nucleic acid molecule when the appropriate molecules(e.g., transcriptional activator proteins) are bound to the regulatorysequences.

By “an effective amount” is meant an amount of a compound, alone or in acombination according to the invention, required to inhibit the growthof a neoplasm in vivo. The effective amount of active compound(s) usedto practice the present invention for therapeutic treatment ofhypercholesterolemia varies depending upon the manner of administration,the age, body weight, and general health of the subject. Ultimately, theattending physician or veterinarian will decide the appropriate amountand dosage regimen. Such amount is referred to as an “effective” amount.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an SDS-PAGE gel of culture medium of HTB-13 cells infectedwith control adenoviruses and adenoviruses expressing WT apoE4,apoE4-mut1, and apoE4-mut2. M indicates molecular weight markers (NewEngland Biolabs). ApoE levels may be assessed by comparison with theintensity of the bands of samples containing 0.5-2.5 mg of bovine serumalbumin (BSA).

FIGS. 2A and 2B are bar graphs showing the time course of changes inplasma cholesterol (FIG. 2A) and triglyceride (FIG. 2B) levels ofapoE^(−/−) mice infected with a control adenovirus (AdGFP) orrecombinant adenoviruses expressing wild-type apoE4, apoE4-mut1, orapoE4-mut2. Mice were infected in triplicate with 2×10⁹ pfu ofadenovirus.

FIG. 3A is an autoradiogram of a Northern blot of total RNA preparationfrom livers of infected mice five days after infection and analyzed forthe expression of apoE and GAPDH mRNA. FIG. 3B is a bar graphquantifying the apoE mRNA levels normalized for GAPDH mRNA levels.Quantification was done by phosphorimager using the ImageQuant program(version 4.2A). FIG. 3C is a bar graph showing the cholesterol levels ofthe individual mice. FIG. 3D is a bar graph showing the triglyceridelevels of the individual mice.

FIG. 4A-F are graphs showing the FPLC profiles of serum cholesterol(FIGS. 3A-C) and triglycerides (FIGS. 3D-F) of adenovirus-infected mice.Serum samples obtained from uninfected apoE-deficient mice, or miceinfected with 2×10⁹ pfu of the recombinant adenoviruses expressingwild-type apoE4 (FIGS. 3A and 3D) or AdGFP-apoE4-mut2 (FIGS. 3B and 3E)or apoE4-mut1 (FIGS. 3C & 3F) five days post-infection.

FIG. 5 is a bar graph showing the hepatic VLDL-triglyceride productionof mice infected with either the control AdGFP adenovirus or recombinantadenoviruses expressing wild-type apoE4, apoE4-mut1, or apoE4mut2.Triton WR1339 (500 mg/kg body weight) was injected into 3 fasted miceper virus group. Serum samples were collected at 20, 40, and 60 minafter the injection with the detergent. Control serum samples wereisolated 1 minute after the injection with the detergent. Serumtriglyceride levels were determined and a linear graph of serumtriglyceride concentration vs. time were generated. The rate ofVLDL-triglyceride secretion expressed in mg/dl/min was calculated fromthe slope of the linear graph for each individual mouse. The mean ±standard deviation of the individual rates of VLDL-triglycerideproduction per virus group are presented in the form of bar graphs.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are graphs showing the time course of cholesterol (FIG.6A) and triglyceride (FIG. 6B) levels of apoE^(−/−) mice infected with arecombinant adenovirus expressing either wild-type apoE4 or apoE4-mut2alone or either in conjunction with human lipoprotein lipase (LpL).

FIGS. 7A-E are SDS-PAGE gels showing the distribution of apoE indifferent lipoprotein fractions following density gradientultracentrifugation. Plasma samples were obtained from apoE^(−/−) miceexpressing wild-type apoE4 (FIGS. 7B and 7C), apoE4-mut1 (FIG. 7E),apoE4-mut2 (FIG. 7D), and mice infected with control adenoviruses (FIG.7A). The samples were fractionated by density gradientultracentrifugation prior to SDS-PAGE analysis.

FIGS. 8A-D are electron micrographs of HDL fractions obtained from theplasma of mice infected with control adenovirus (FIG. 8A) oradenoviruses expressing wildtype apoE4 (FIG. 8B), apoE4-mut1 (FIG. 8D),or apoE4-mut2 (FIG. 8C).

FIG. 9 is a series of schematic representations showing the effect ofbiosynthesis and catabolism of VLDL and HDL in apoE^(−/−) miceoverexpressing wildtype apoE4 (top), apoE4-mut2 (middle), or apoE4-mut1(bottom).

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the predicted structure of wild-typeApoE.

FIGS. 11A-C are graphs of the time course of plasma cholesterol,triglyceride, and apoE levels, respectively, in apoE^(−/−) mice infectedwith low (5×10⁸ pfu) and high (2×10⁹ pfu) doses of recombinantadenovirus expressing apoE4. FIG. 11D is a graph of the correlationbetween plasma apoE levels triglyceride levels in apoE^(−/−) mice.

FIG. 12A-C are graphs of the time course of plasma cholesterol,triglyceride, and apoE levels, respectively, in apoE^(−/×)×LDLr^(−/−)mice infected with low (5×10⁸ pfu) doses of recombinant adenovirusexpressing apoE4.

FIGS. 13A-C are graphs of the time course of plasma cholesterol,triglyceride, and apoE levels, respectively, in apoE^(−/−) micefollowing a 10 mg/ml bolus intravenous injection of apoE4. FIGS. 13D-Fare graphs of the time course of plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, andapoE levels, respectively, in apoE^(−/−)×LDLr^(−/−) mice following a 10mg/ml bolus intravenous injection of apoE4.

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation summarizing the contribution ofapoE and LDL receptor to the clearance of apoE-containing lipoproteinsand the induction of hypertriglyceridemia.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is based on the finding that particularhydrophobic residues of helix 8 of apoE are critical for proper VLDLprocessing and the formation of spherical HDL (see FIG. 10). Theseresults demonstrate that, with appropriate modification, thecholesterol-lowering effect of apoE may be dissociated from itshypertriglyceridemic effect.

The present invention maps the residues in the carboxy-terminal regionof apoE which are responsible for hypertriglyceridemia. Two regions ofapoE between residues 260 to 299 contain hydrophobic amino acids thatare required for the association of apoE with lipid and lipoproteins.The first region includes amino acids L261, W264, F265, L268 and V269,and the second region includes amino acids W276, L279, V280, V283. ABLAST search of NCBI database shows that both regions are highlyconserved among mammalian species. As described in more detail below, invivo adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of the two apoE mutantsestablished unequivocally that the hydrophobic residues of apoE betweenamino acids 261 to 269 accounts for most of the induction ofhypertriglyceridemia, by affecting the secretion of VLDL triglycerides.Virtually all of the remaining hypertriglyceridemic effect is associatedwith the hydrophobic amino acids in the 276 to 283 region.

In Vitro Production of ApoE-mut1 and ApoE-mut2 in HTB-13 Cells

Construction of Recombinant Adenoviruses Expressing the Wild-Type andthe Mutant Forms of Forms apoE4.

Two apoE4 mutants were generated using the mutagenesis kitQuickChange-XL (Stratagene). The mutants are:

-   -   apoE4-mut1: apoE4-[W276A/L279A/V280A/V283A], and    -   apoE4-mut2: apoE4 [L261A/W264A/F265A/L268A/V269A]        The mutagenic primers used are apoE4mut1-s (5′-gcctt ccagg cccgc        gccaa gagcg cggcc gagcc cgcgg cggaa gacat gcagc gc-3′),        apoE4-mut1-a (5′-gcgct gcatg tcttc cgccg cgggc tcggc cgcgc tcttg        gcgcg ggcct ggaa ggc-3′), apoE4-mut2-s (5′-gacat gcagc gccag        gcggc cgggg cggcg gaga ggcgc aggct gccgt-3′) and apoE4-mut2-a        (5′-gccca cggca gcctg cgcct tctcc gccgc cccgg ccgcc tggcg        ctgca-3′). In both mutagenic reactions, the vector pGEM7-apoE4        containing Exons II, III, and IV of the human apoE was used as a        template. Following 18 cycles of PCR amplification of the        template DNA, the PCR product was treated with DpnI to digest        plasmids containing methylated DNA in one or both of their        strands. The reaction product consisting of plasmids containing        newly synthesized DNA carrying the mutations of interest were        used to transform XL-10 blue competent bacteria cells        (Stratagene). Ampicillin-resistant clones were selected, and        plasmid DNA was isolated from these clones, and subjected to        sequencing to confirm the presence of the point mutations.

The recombinant adenoviruses were constructed as previously described(Kypreos, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 276: 19778-19786, 2001) using theAd-Easy-1 system where the adenovirus construct is generated in bacteriaBJ-5183 cells. Correct clones were propagated in RecA DH5a cells. Therecombinant adenoviral vectors were linearized with PacI and used toinfect 911 cells. Following large-scale infection of HEK 293 cellcultures, the recombinant adenoviruses were purified by two consecutiveCsC1 ultracentrifugation steps, dialyzed and titrated. Usually, titersof approximately 5×10 pfu/ml were obtained.

Quantification of Human apoE

Human apoE4 concentrations were measured using sandwich ELISA. Affinitypurified polyclonal goat anti-human apoE antibodies were used forcoating 96-well Maxosorb immunoplates (NUNC), and the same polyclonalgoat anti-human apoE linked to horseradish peroxidase was used as thesecondary antibody. The immunoperoxidase procedure was employed for thecolorimetric detection of apoE by measuring the change in the absorptionat 450 nm, using tetramethylbenzidine as substrate. Pooled plasma fromhealthy human subjects with known apoE level was used as a standard.

Cell Culture Studies

Human HTB13 cells (SW1783, human astrocytoma) grown to confluence inmedium containing 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), were infected withAdGFP-E4 or the adenoviruses expressing the mutant apoE formsAdGFP-E4-mut1 and AdGFP-mut2 at a multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.) of20. Twenty-four hours post-infection, cell were washed twice withPhosphate buffered saline (PBS), and preincubated in serum free mediumfor two hours. Following an additional wash with PBS, fresh serum freemedium was added. After 24 h of incubation, medium was collected andanalyzed by sandwich enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) andSDS-PAGE for apoE expression. The ELISA results (FIG. 1) showed thatapoE4, apoE4-mut1 and apoE4-mut2 are secreted efficiently at comparablelevels (in the range of 130 and 170 mg of apoE per ml respectively, 24 hpost infection).

Residues L261, W264, F265, L268, V269 are Responsible forHypertriglyceridemia

We used adenovirus mediated gene transfer in apoE^(−/−) mice to assessthe effects of the wild-type-apoE4 and the two mutants, apoE4-mut1 orapoE4-mut2 forms on the induction of hyperlipidemia in vivo. TheapoE^(−/−) mice were infected with either the control adenovirus AdGFP,the recombinant adenoviruses expressing the wild type apoE4, apoE4-mut1,or apoE4-mut2, and analyzed 4 to 8 days post-infection. Lipid analysisshowed that the infection of mice with 2×10⁹ pfu of recombinantadenovirus expressing the apoE4 or apoE4-mut2 did not cause asignificant reduction in the plasma cholesterol levels 4 or 5 dayspost-infection and induced severe hypertriglyceridemia, as compared tothe mice infected with the control virus and non-infected mice (FIGS.2A,B). In contrast, infection of mice with recombinant adenovirusexpressing apoE4-mut1, at a dose of 2×10⁹, normalized plasma cholesterollevels 4 or 5 days post-infection and did not cause hypertriglyceridemia(FIGS. 2A,B).

To assess the expression of apoE4, apoE4-mut1, and apoE4-mut2 ininfected mice, at least 3 infected mice from each group were sacrificed5 days post-infection. Total RNA was isolated from the livers of thesemice and analyzed for apoE mRNA expression by Northern blotting andquantitated by phosphorimaging. The apoE mRNA levels in mice infectedwith a dose of 2×10⁹ pfu AdGFP-E4 are similar to those in mice infectedwith 2×10⁹ pfu AdGFP-E4-mut1 or AdGFP-E4-mut2 (FIGS. 3A,B). Thesefindings are in agreement with cell culture data, where we see similarlevels of apoE4 and apoE4-mut1 and apoE4-mut2 protein expressionfollowing adenovirus infection. However, only apoE4-mut1 clearsefficiently the cholesterol of apoE-deficient mice without causinghypertriglyceridemia; whereas, the full-length apoE4 and the apoE4-mut2did not correct the levels of the apoE^(−/−) mice and inducedhypertriglyceridemia. Thus, the different effects of apoE4 andapoE4-mut1 or apoE4-mut2 on hypertriglyceridemia most likely are not dueto different levels of expression and secretion of the full-length andthe mutant apoE forms. The hypertriglyceridemia observed in theapoE4-mut2 was less severe than that of the WT apoE4. (FIGS. 3C,D).Therefore, the hydrophobic residues L261, W264, F265, L268, V269 inhelix 8 of the human apoE are mainly responsible for the apoE-inducedhypertriglyceridemia, whereas residues Tyr276Ala, Leu279Ala, Val280Ala,Val282Ala located in helix 9 have a relatively smaller effect on theinduction of hypertriglyceridemia.

Animal Studies, RNA and Protein Analyses

Female apoE-deficient mice 4-6 week old were used in these studies.Groups of 8-10 female mice were injected intravenously through thetail-vein with doses ranging from 5×10⁸ to 1×10¹⁰ pfu. Blood wasobtained from the tail vein after a 4 h fast preceding adenoviralinjection and 0, 3, 4, and 5 days after injection. Aliquots of plasmawere stored at 4° and −20° C. Three or more animals from each group wassacrificed on each of the indicated days and the mRNA levels in themouse liver were analyzed by Northern blotting, and quantitated byphosphorimaging as described (Kypreos et al., 2001).

Triglyceride-Rich VLDL Particles Accumulate With ApoE4 and ApoE4-mut2Overexpression, but are Cleared by ApoE4-mut1

FPLC analysis of plasma from adenovirus-infected mice showed that inmice expressing apoE4 or apoE4-mut1 five days post-infection,cholesterol and triglyceride levels were high and were distributedpredominantly in the VLDL region (FIGS. 4A,C,D,F). In contrast, in miceinfected with AdGFP-E4-mut1, cholesterol and triglycerides were low andwere distributed in all lipoprotein fractions five days post-infection(FIGS. 4B,E). As an additional control, infection of mice with 2×10⁹ pfuof the control virus AdGFP, did not result in any change in thecholesterol and triglyceride profiles of the apoE^(−/−) mice.

ApoE4-mut1 and apoE4-mut2 have a minor effect on the rate of hepaticVLDL triglyceride secretion. The rate of hepatic VLDL triglyceridesecretion in the plasma was determined following injection of TritonWR1339 five days after the infection with the recombinant adenoviruses.The rate of triglyceride secretion increased 5.5-fold in mice infectedwith adenoviruses expressing WT apoE4 as compared to mice infected withAdGFP control and adenoviruses expressing either apoEmut1 or apoE4mut2in mice infected with adenoviruses. The rate of VLDL triglyceridesecretion increased 1.9-fold, as compared to mice infected with thecontrol adenoviruses (FIG. 5). Thus, residues L261, W264, F265, L268,V269 in helix 8, or residues W276, L279, V280 and V283 in helix 9, ofthe human apoE have a major effect on the secretion of hepatictriglycerides and when they are altered to the less hydrophobic Ala, therate of triglyceride secretion is diminished.

FPLC Analysis and Lipid Determination

For FPLC analysis of serum samples, 12 ml of serum were diluted 1:5 withPBS, and loaded onto a Superose 6 column in a SMART micro FPLC system(Pharmacia), and eluted with PBS. A total of 25 fractions of 50 mlvolume each were collected for further analysis. Triglycerides andcholesterol where determined using the GPO-Trinder Kit (Sigma) andCHOL-MPR3 kit (Boehringer-Mannheim), according the manufacturersinstructions. The triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations of theserum and the FPLC fractions were determined spectrophotometrically at540 nm and 492 nm, respectively, as previously described (Kypreos etal., 2001).

Rate of VLDL Triglyceride Production in C57/BL6 Mice Infected withDifferent apoE Forms.

VLDL triglyceride secretion was determined following infection ofC57/BL6 mice with 2×10⁹ pfu of adenoviruses expressing either WT apoE4,apoE4mut1, or the control AdGFP viruses. Four days post-infection, micewere fasted for 4 h and then injected with Triton-WR1339 at a dose of500 mg/kg of body weight, using a 15% solution (w/v) in 0.9% NaCl.Triton-WR 1339 has been shown to completely inhibit VLDL catabolism.Serum samples were isolated 20, 40, 60 and 90 minutes after injectionwith Triton WR 1339. Serum triglycerides were measured and the rate ofVLDL-triglyceride secretion expressed in mg/dl/min was determined aspreviously described (Kypreos et al., 2001). The mean ±standarddeviation of three to four experiments are presented in the form of abar graph.

Co-expression of ApoE4 or ApoE4-mut2 with Lipoprotein Lipase NormalizesLipid Levels in ApoE^(−/−) Mice

To test potential insufficiency in the activity of lipoprotein lipase inthe induction of hypertriglyceridemia apoE^(−/−) mice were coinfectedwith 2×10⁹ pfu of the adenovirus-expressing E4 or apoE4-mut1 and 1×10⁹pfu of adenovirus-expressing human lipoprotein lipase. This treatmentcorrected both the hypertriglyceridemia and the hyper-cholesterolemiathat occurs in mice treated with apoE4 or apoE4-mut2 alone (FIG. 6). Theendogenous lipoprotein lipase activity is rate-limiting for thelipolysis and clearance of VLDL under conditions of apoE overexpression.

Increased levels of the plasma lipoprotein lipase, by coinfection withrecombinant adenoviruses expressing the human lipoprotein lipase,corrected the apoE-induced dyslipidemia in apoE^(−/−) mice thatoverexpress full-length apoE. Thus, under conditions of apoEoverexpression the activity of lipoprotein lipase becomes rate-limitingfor the clearance of the hypertriglyceridemic VLDL (FIG. 9). Substantialbut less severe hypertriglyceridemia is also observed by overexpressionof apoE4-mut2, which is also corrected by coinfection with thelipoprotein lipase-expressing adenovirus. The difference in the severityof the hypertriglyceridemia between WT apoE4 and apoE4mut2 may berelated to the increased VLDL triglyceride secretion caused by the WTapoE4 (FIG. 9).

ApoE4 and ApoE4-mut2, but not ApoE4mut1, Displace ApoA-I from the HDLRegion and Promotes Formation of Discoidal HDL Particles

To establish the ability of apoE4, apoE4-mut1 and apoE4-mut2 toassociate with different lipoproteins, 300 ml of serum from miceinfected either recombinant adenoviruses expressing apoE4, or apoE4-mut1or apoE4-mut2 were fractionated by density gradient ultracentrifugation.Fractions of different densities were isolated and analyzed by SDS-PAGEfollowed either by staining with Coomassie brilliant blue stain or bywestern blotting using anti-apoE antibodies. It was found that both thefull-length apoE4, and the apoE4-mut1 and apoE4-mut2 mutants, associatewith lipoproteins that float in the HDL region and to a lesser extentwith particles in the LDL and IDL regions. Overexpression of both wtapoE4 and apoE4-mut2 resulted in displacement of apoA-I from HDL,whereas overexpression of apoE4-mut1 does not displace apoA-I from theHDL density region (FIG. 7A-E). ApoA-I levels of mice infected with theapoE4-mut1 appear to be similar to those of apoE^(−/−) mice, and over90% of apoA-I was found in the HDL following density gradientultracentrifugation.

In contrast, in mice infected with either WT apoE4 or the apoE4mut2, theapoA-I that was associated with HDL was greatly reduced. EM analysis ofthe fraction 6 to 8 containing apoA-I showed that overexpression of WTapoE4 or apoE4mut2 was associated with the formation of discoidal HDLparticles, whereas expression of apoE4-mut2 at similar levels wereassociated with the formation of spherical HDL particles (FIG. 8A-D).

The differences in the biogenesis and catabolism of VLDL and HDL inapoE^(−/−) mice that overexpress apoE4 and apoE4mut2 are summarized inFIG. 9A-C. In summary, apoE4 and apoE4-mut2 displaced apoA-I from HDLand promoted the formation of discoidal HDL. In contrast, apoE-mut1 didnot displace apoA-I from the HDL region, and did not affect theformation of spherical HDL particles (FIG. 9). The findings demonstratethat wild-type apoE4 is less desirable for controlling cholesterollevels because they negatively impact the formation or the stability ofHDL. This undesirable property of WT apoE to reduce plasma HDL levelscan be overcome in the recombinant apoE4-mut1 or similar molecules. Theability of recombinant apoE forms such as apoE4-mut1 which promotecholesterol clearance without induction of hypertriglyceridemia areuseful therapeutic agents to correct remnant removal disorders andcontrol hypercholesterolemia.

Electron Microscopy

Aliquots of the fractions from equilibrium density gradientcentrifugation after dialysis against ammonium acetate and carbonatebuffer were stained with sodium phosphotungstate, visualized in thePhillips CM-120 electron microscopy (Phillips Electron Optics,Eindhoven, Netherlands), and photographed as described previously(Kypreos et al., 2001). The photomicrographs were taken at ×75,000magnification and enlarged three times.

Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation

To assess the ability of WT and mutant apoE forms to associate withdifferent lipoproteins, 0.3 ml of culture medium was brought to a volumeof 0.5 ml with PBS and adjusted to density 1.23 g/ml with KBr. Thissolution was then overlaid with 1 ml of 1.21 g/ml KBr, 2.5 ml of 1.063g/ml KBr, 0.5 of 1.019 g/ml KBr and 0.5 ml of saline. The mixtures werecentrifuged for 22 h in a SW-41 rotor at 30,000 rpm. Followingultracentrifugation, 10 fractions of 0.5 ml were collected and analyzedby SDS-PAGE.

Low Steady-State Plasma ApoE Levels Clear Plasma Cholesterol inApoE^(−/−) Mice

It has been established that high levels of plasma apoE are associatedwith high triglyceride levels in humans and in experimental animalmodels. To identify the steady-state apoE concentrations that can inducehypertriglyceridemia, apoE^(−/−) mice were infected with either a low(5×10⁸ pfu) or a high (2×10⁹ pfu) dose of a recombinant adenovirusexpressing the wild-type apoE4. Plasma samples collected from day 1 today 8 post-infection were analyzed for cholesterol, triglyceride andapoE levels.

In mice infected with 5×10⁸ pfu of the apoE4-expressing adenovirus,cholesterol levels were normalized on days 4 and 5 post-infectionwithout induction of hypertriglyceridemia, while the steady-state plasmalevels of human apoE4 were in the range of 3-5 mg/dl (FIG. 11A-C). Thisdemonstrates that low levels of apoE production by the liver sufficesfor the clearance of lipoprotein remnants.

High doses (2×10⁹ pfu) of apoE aggravated the hypercholesterolemia andinduced severe hypertriglyceridemia. The severity of thehypertriglyceridemia showed a linear correlation with plasma apoE levels(FIG. 11D). Hypertriglyceridemia was observed at steady-state plasmaaopE concentration of approximately 60 mg/dl; whereas, slightly elevatedtriglyceride levels were observed at apoE concentration of 50 mg/dl(compare FIGS. 11B and 11C).

Construction of Recombinant Adenovirus Expressing Wild-type Human ApoE4

The construction of the recombinant adenovirus expressing the wild-typehuman apoE4 form has been described previously (Kypreos, et al., 2003).Recombinant adenoviruses were generated in bacteria BJ-5183 cells andwere used to infect 911 cells (He, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA,95: 2509-2514, 1998; Fallaux, et al., Hum. Gene Ther., 7: 215-222,1996). Following large-scale infection of HEK293 cell cultures, therecombinant adenoviruses were purified by two consecutive CsClultracentrifugation steps, dialyzed, and titrated.

Adenoviral Infection of Large-scale Cultures of Infected HTB-13 Cellsand Purification of ApoE

Human HTB-13 cells (SW 1783 human astrocytomas) grown to 80% confluencein Leibovitz L-15 medium containing 10% FBS were infected withadenoviruses expressing apoE4 at an moi of 20. After 24 hours ofinfection, cells were washed twice with serum free medium, preincubatedin serum-free medium for 30 minutes, and fresh serum free medium wasadded. After 24 hours, the medium was harvested and fresh serum-freemedium was added to the cells. The harvest was repeated 8-10 times.Yields of 50-100 mg/liter apoE were obtained. ApoE was purified from theculture medium of adenovirus-infected HTB-13 cells using Dextran-sulfateSepharose ion exchange chromatography (Li, et al., Biochem. 42:10406-10417, 2003).

Animal Studies

Female apoE-deficient (apoE^(−/−)) and apoE×LDLr double-deficient(apoE^(−/−)×LDLr^(−/−)) mice, 4-6 weeks of age, were used (JacksonLaboratories). Groups were formed after determining the fastingcholesterol and triglyceride levels of the individual mice to ensuresimilar average cholesterol and triglyceride levels among groups.

For the adenovirus infections, groups of 4-6 mice were injectedintravenously through the tail vein with doses of 5×10⁸ or 2×10⁹ pfu ofthe apoE4-expressing adenovirus. Blood was obtained daily following a 4hour fasting period for up to 9 days after injection.

Gene Transfer of Low Doses of ApoE Does not Clear Cholesterol inApoE^(−/−)×LDLr^(−/−) Mice

The plasma lipid and apoE profiles of apoE^(−/−)×LDLr^(−/−) miceinfected with low doses (5×10⁸ pfu) of the apoE-expressing adenoviruswere drastically different from the lipid profiles of the apoE^(−/−)mice infected with the same adenovirus dose. Plasma cholesterol levelsremained high two to nine days post-infection (FIG. 12A). In addition,hypertriglyceridemia was induced when the steady-state plasma apoElevels were approximately 30 mg/dl and disappeared when the apoE levelsdropped below 22 mg/dl (compare FIGS. 12B and 12C). The steady stateplasma apoE levels of the apoE^(−/−) mice×LDLr^(−/−) mice infected withlow does of the apoE-expressing adenovirus were elevated 2 to 6 dayspost infection (FIG. 12C). The increase in the steady-state plasma apoElevels reflects defective clearance of apoE-containing triglyceride richlipoproteins. This is in contrast to the apoE^(−/−) mice infected withlow doses of the apoE4-expressing adenovirus which showed very lowsteady-state apoE levels and efficient clearance of lipoprotein remnants(FIGS. 11A and 11C).

Bolus Infusion of ApoE Affects Differently Plasma Lipid Levels inApoE^(−/−) Mice and ApoE^(−/−)×LDLr^(−/−) Mice

The ability of apoE to clear lipoprotein remnants was assessed by bolusinjection of a 10 mg/ml solution of apoE in PBS and collection of bloodat different time points. Plasma samples isolated 1 minutepost-infection were used as control.

Bolus injection of apoE corrected transiently plasma cholesterol levelsof the apoE^(−/−) mice (FIG. 13A), but did not affect plasma cholesterollevels of the apoE^(−/−)×LDLr^(−/−) double-deficient mice (FIG. 13D).Bolus injection of apoE also caused a transient modest increase inplasma triglycerides in both strains of mice (FIGS. 13B and 13E).Injected apoE was totally undetectable in the plasma of the apoE^(−/−)mice within 6 hours post-injection (FIG. 13C); however, low levels ofapoE were detected in the plasma of the apoE^(−/−)×LDLr^(−/−) mice up to11 hours post-injection (FIG. 13F). FIG. 14 summarized the contributionof apoE and the LDL receptor to the clearance of apoE-containinglipoproteins and the induction of hypertriglyceridemia.

ApoE, at physiological concentrations, is required for the catabolism oflipoprotein remnants via the LDL-receptor, other lipoprotein receptors,or HSPG. Low levels of apoE produced by the liver following adenovirusinfection or bolus injection into the plasma can transiently clearcholesterol in apoE^(−/−) mice that express the LDL receptor. However,similar treatments of double-deficient apoE^(−/−)×LDLr^(−/−) mice didnot clear cholesterol from the plasma. Thus, the predominantphysiological receptor involved int eh clearance of apoE-containinglipoproteins in mice is the LDL receptor (FIG. 14).

Injection of Mice With ApoE

For the bolus injection of purified aopE4, following a 4 hour fasting,groups of 3-4 female mice with similar fasting cholesterol andtriglyceride levels were injected intravenously through the tail veinwith 400 μl of a 10 mg/ml solution of apoE in PBS. Blood samples (15 μl)were collected from the tail of the injected mice from 30 minutes to 11hours post-injection. Five microliters of plasma were diluted 5-fold inPBS and analyzed for cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Plasma samplesisolated 1 minute after injection of the apoE4 were used as a control.

Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia

Therapeutic apoE proteins, administered by gene therapy, may be used forthe treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Heterologous nucleic acidmolecules, encoding for example, apoE4-mut1 protein can be delivered toblood stream of a mammal (e.g., a human). Expression ofanti-hypercholesterolemia proteins in tissues that normally express apoE(e.g.; the liver) can reduce the plasma cholesterol levels withoutinducing hypertriglyceridemia. The nucleic acid molecules must bedelivered to those cells in a form in which they can be taken up by thecells and so that sufficient levels of the therapeutic apoE protein canbe produced.

Transducing viral (e.g., retroviral, adenoviral, and adeno-associatedviral) vectors can be used for somatic cell gene therapy, especiallybecause of their high efficiency of infection and stable integration andexpression (see, e.g., Cayouette et al., Human Gene Therapy 8: 423-430,1997; Kido et al., Current Eye Research 15: 833-844, 1996; Bloomer etal., Journal of Virology 71: 6641-6649, 1997; Naldini et al., Science272: 263-267, 1996; and Miyoshi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.94: 10319, 1997). For example, a the therapeutic apoE gene construct canbe cloned into a retroviral vector and expression can be driven from itsendogenous promoter, from the retroviral long terminal repeat, or from apromoter specifically expressed in a target cell type of interest (e.g.,a neoplasm endothelial cell). Other viral vectors that can be usedinclude, for example, a vaccinia virus, a bovine papilloma virus, or aherpes virus, such as Epstein-Barr Virus (also see, for example, thevectors of Miller, Human Gene Therapy 15-14, 1990; Friedman, Science244: 1275-1281, 1989; Eglitis et al., BioTechniques 6: 608-614, 1988;Tolstoshev et al., Current Opinion in Biotechnology 1: 55-61, 1990;Sharp, The Lancet 337: 1277-1278, 1991; Cometta et al., Nucleic AcidResearch and Molecular Biology 36: 311-322, 1987; Anderson, Science 226:401-409, 1984; Moen, Blood Cells 17: 407-416, 1991; Miller et al.,Biotechnology 7: 980-990, 1989; Le Gal La Salle et al., Science 259:988-990, 1993; and Johnson, Chest 107: 77 S-83S, 1995). Retroviralvectors are particularly well developed and have been used in clinicalsettings (Rosenberg et al., N. Engl. J. Med 323: 370, 1990; Anderson etal., U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,346). Most preferably, a viral vector is usedto administer the therapeutic apoE nucleic acid to the liver.

Non-viral approaches can also be employed for the introduction oftherapeutic nucleic acids to a cell of a patient havinghypercholesterolemia. For example, a nucleic acid molecule can beintroduced into a cell by administering the nucleic acid in the presenceof lipofection (Felgner et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 84: 7413,1987; Ono et al., Neuroscience Letters 17: 259, 1990; Brigham et al.,Am. J. Med. Sci. 298: 278, 1989; Staubinger et al., Methods inEnzymology 101: 512, 1983), asialoorosomucoid-polylysine conjugation (Wuet al., Journal of Biological Chemistry 263: 14621, 1988; Wu et al.,Journal of Biological Chemistry 264: 16985, 1989), or by micro-injectionunder surgical conditions (Wolff et al., Science 247: 1465, 1990).Preferably the nucleic acids are administered in combination with aliposome and protamine.

Gene transfer can also be achieved using non-viral means involvingtransfection in vitro. Such methods include the use of calciumphosphate, DEAE dextran, electroporation, and protoplast fusion.Liposomes can also be potentially beneficial for delivery of DNA into acell. Transplantation of normal genes into the affected tissues of apatient can also be accomplished by transferring a normal nucleic acidinto a cultivatable cell type ex vivo (e.g., an autologous orheterologous primary cell or progeny thereof), after which the cell (orits descendants) are injected into a targeted tissue.

cDNA expression for use in gene therapy methods can be directed from anysuitable promoter (e.g., an endocan promoter, Flt-1 promoter, or othertumor endothelial promoter identified using the methods describedherein), and regulated by any appropriate mammalian regulatory element.For example, if desired, an enhancers known to preferentially directgene expression in a tumor endothelial cell, (e.g., the 300 base pairTie-2 intronic enhancer element described herein) can be used to directthe expression of a nucleic acid. The enhancers used can include,without limitation, those that are characterized as tissue- orcell-specific enhancers. Alternatively, if a genomic clone is used as atherapeutic construct, regulation can be mediated by the cognateregulatory sequences or, if desired, by regulatory sequences derivedfrom a heterologous source, including any of the promoters or regulatoryelements described above.

Synthesis of Therapeutic ApoE Proteins

Nucleic acids that encode a therapeutic apoE protein may be introducedinto various cell types or cell-free systems for expression, therebyallowing purification of the protein for biochemical characterization,large-scale production, and patient therapy.

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic DRAGON expression systems may be generated inwhich a therapeutic apoE nucleic acid sequence is introduced into aplasmid or other vector, which is then used to transform living cells.Typical expression vectors contain promoters that direct the synthesisof large amounts of mRNA corresponding to the inserted therapeutic apoEnucleic acid in the plasmid-bearing cells. They may also include aeukaryotic or prokaryotic origin of replication sequence allowing fortheir autonomous replication within the host organism, sequences thatencode genetic traits that allow vector-containing cells to be selectedfor in the presence of otherwise toxic drugs, and sequences thatincrease the efficiency with which the synthesized mRNA is translated.Stable long-term vectors may be maintained as freely replicatingentities by using regulatory elements of, for example, viruses (e.g.,the OriP sequences from the Epstein Barr Virus genome). Cell lines mayalso be produced that have integrated the vector into the genomic DNA,and in this manner the gene product is produced on a continuous basis.

Expression of foreign sequences in bacteria, such as Escherichia coli,requires the insertion of the therapeutic apoE nucleic acid sequenceinto a bacterial expression vector. Such plasmid vectors contain severalelements required for the propagation of the plasmid in bacteria, andfor expression of the DNA inserted into the plasmid. Propagation of onlyplasmid-bearing bacteria is achieved by introducing, into the plasmid,selectable marker-encoding sequences that allow plasmid-bearing bacteriato grow in the presence of otherwise toxic drugs. The plasmid alsocontains a transcriptional promoter capable of producing large amountsof mRNA from the cloned gene. Such promoters may be (but are notnecessarily) inducible promoters that initiate transcription uponinduction. The plasmid also preferably contains a polylinker to simplifyinsertion of the gene in the correct orientation within the vector.

Mammalian cells can also be used to express a therapeutic apoE protein.Stable or transient cell line clones can be made using therapeutic apoEexpression vectors to produce therapeutic apoE proteins in a soluble(truncated and tagged) or membrane anchored (native) form. Appropriatecell lines include, for example, COS, HEK293T, CHO, or NIH cell lines.

Once the appropriate expression vectors containing a therapeutic apoEnucleic acid is constructed, it is introduced into an appropriate hostcell by transformation techniques, such as, but not limited to, calciumphosphate transfection, DEAE-dextran transfection, electroporation,microinjection, protoplast fusion, or liposome-mediated transfection.The host cells that are transfected with the vectors of this inventionmay include (but are not limited to) E. coli or other bacteria, yeast,fungi, insect cells (using, for example, baculoviral vectors forexpression in SF9 insect cells), or cells derived from mice, humans, orother animals. Those skilled in the art of molecular biology willunderstand that a wide variety of expression systems and purificationsystems may be used to produce recombinant therapeutic apoE proteins.Some of these systems are described, for example, in Ausubel et al.(supra).

Once a recombinant protein is expressed, it can be isolated from celllysates using protein purification techniques such as affinitychromatography. Once isolated, the recombinant protein can, if desired,be purified further by e.g., by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC; e.g., see Fisher, Laboratory Techniques In Biochemistry AndMolecular Biology, Work and Burdon, Eds., Elsevier, 1980).

Pharmaceutical Compositions for Administering a Therapeutic ApoE Protein

The present invention includes the administration of a therapeutic apoEprotein for the treatment or prevention of hypercholesterolemia. Theadministration of a therapeutic apoE protein, regardless of its methodof manufacture, reduces plasma cholesterol levels without inducinghypertriglyceridemia.

Peptide agents of the invention, such as a therapeutic apoE protein, canbe administered to a subject, e.g., a human, directly or in combinationwith any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or salt known in the art.Pharmaceutically acceptable salts may include non-toxic acid additionsalts or metal complexes that are commonly used in the pharmaceuticalindustry. Examples of acid addition salts include organic acids such asacetic, lactic, pamoic, maleic, citric, malic, ascorbic, succinic,benzoic, palmitic, suberic, salicylic, tartaric, methanesulfonic,toluenesulfonic, or trifluoroacetic acids or the like; polymeric acidssuch as tannic acid, carboxymethyl cellulose, or the like; and inorganicacids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acidphosphoric acid, or the like. Metal complexes include zinc, iron, andthe like. One exemplary pharmaceutically acceptable carrier isphysiological saline. Other physiologically acceptable carriers andtheir formulations are known to one skilled in the art and described,for example, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, (19th edition), ed.A. Gennaro, 1995, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa.

Pharmaceutical formulations of a therapeutically effective amount of atherapeutic apoE protein of the invention, or pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt-thereof, is preferably administered by intravenousinjection, but can be administered orally or by other parenteral routes(e.g. intramuscular, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous injection), in anadmixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier adapted for theroute of administration.

Methods well known in the art for making formulations are found, forexample, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (19th edition), ed. A.Gennaro, 1995, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa. Compositionsintended for oral use may be prepared in solid or liquid forms accordingto any method known to the art for the manufacture of pharmaceuticalcompositions. The compositions may optionally contain sweetening,flavoring, coloring, perfuming, and/or preserving agents in order toprovide a more palatable preparation. Solid dosage forms for oraladministration include capsules, tablets, pills, powders, and granules.In such solid forms, the active compound is admixed with at least oneinert pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. These mayinclude, for example, inert diluents, such as calcium carbonate, sodiumcarbonate, lactose, sucrose, starch, calcium phosphate, sodiumphosphate, or kaolin. Binding agents, buffering agents, and/orlubricating agents (e.g., magnesium stearate) may also be used. Tabletsand pills can additionally be prepared with enteric coatings.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include pharmaceuticallyacceptable emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups, and soft gelatincapsules. These forms contain inert diluents commonly used in the art,such as water or an oil medium. Besides such inert diluents,compositions can also include adjuvants, such as wetting agents,emulsifying agents, and suspending agents.

Formulations for parenteral administration include sterile aqueous ornon-aqueous solutions, suspensions, or emulsions. Examples of suitablevehicles include propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils,gelatin, hydrogenated naphalenes, and injectable organic esters, such asethyl oleate. Such formulations may also contain adjuvants, such aspreserving, wetting, emulsifying, and dispersing agents. Biocompatible,biodegradable lactide polymer, lactide/glycolide copolymer, orpolyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymers may be used to control therelease of the compounds. Other potentially useful parenteral deliverysystems for the proteins of the invention include ethylene-vinyl acetatecopolymer particles, osmotic pumps, implantable infusion systems, andliposomes.

Liquid formulations can be sterilized by, for example, filtrationthrough a bacteria-retaining filter, by incorporating sterilizing agentsinto the compositions, or by irradiating or heating the compositions.Alternatively, they can also be manufactured in the form of sterile,solid compositions which can be dissolved in sterile water or some othersterile injectable medium immediately before use.

The amount of active ingredient in the compositions of the invention canbe varied. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the exactindividual dosages may be adjusted somewhat depending upon a variety offactors, including the protein being administered, the time ofadministration, the route of administration, the nature of theformulation, the rate of excretion, the nature of the subject'sconditions, and the age, weight, health, and gender of the patient. Widevariations in the needed dosage are to be expected in view of thediffering efficiencies of the various routes of administration. Forinstance, oral administration generally would be expected to requirehigher dosage levels than administration by intravenous injection.Variations in these dosage levels can be adjusted using standardempirical routines for optimization, which are well known in the art. Ingeneral, the precise therapeutically effective dosage will be determinedby the attending physician in consideration of the above identifiedfactors.

The protein or therapeutic compound of the invention can be administeredin a sustained release composition, such as those described in, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,659 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,760. The use ofimmediate or sustained release compositions depends on the type ofcondition being treated. If the condition consists of an acute orsubacute disorder, a treatment with an immediate release form will bepreferred over a prolonged release composition. Alternatively, forpreventative or long-term treatments, a sustained released compositionwill generally be preferred.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

All publications and patent applications cited in this specification areherein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication orpatent application were specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference. Although the foregoing invention has beendescribed in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposesof clarity of understanding, it will be readily apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this inventionthat certain changes and modifications may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.

1-36. (canceled)
 37. A method for reducing plasma cholesterol in amammal, without inducing hypertriglyceridemia, said method comprisingadministering to said mammal an effective amount of a nucleic acidencoding a therapeutic apoE protein, operably linked to a promoter that,when expressed in the target cells, is capable of expressing saidtherapeutic apoE protein, and wherein said therapeutic apoE proteincomprises a naturally-occurring apoE protein having at least one aminoacid substitution in the carboxy-terminal region.
 38. The method ofclaim 37, wherein said nucleic acid is associated with a liposome. 39.The method of claim 37, wherein said nucleic acid is administered byintravenous injection.
 40. The method of claim 37, wherein said nucleicacid comprises a recombinant viral vector.
 41. The method of claim 40,wherein said vector is an adeno-associated vector, a lentiviral vector,a herpes viral vector, or a retroviral vector.
 42. The method of claim37, wherein said nucleic acid is administered to the liver.
 43. Themethod of claim 37, wherein said therapeutic apoE protein comprises atleast one amino acid substitution selected from the group consisting ofL261X, W264X, F265X, L268X, and V269X, wherein X is any amino acid. 44.The method of claim 43, wherein X is alanine.
 45. The method of claim37, wherein said therapeutic apoE protein comprises at least one aminoacid substitution selected from the group consisting of L261A, W264A,F265A, L268A, and V269A.
 46. The method of claim 45, wherein saidtherapeutic apoE protein comprises the amino acid substitutions L261A,W264A, F265A, L268A, and V269A.
 47. The method of claims 37, whereinsaid naturally-occurring apoE protein is selected from the groupconsisting of apoE1, apoE2, apoE2*, apoE2**, apoE3, and apoE4 protein.48. The method of claim 37, wherein said therapeutic apoE protein isapoE2[L261A/W264A/F265A/L268A/V269A].
 49. The method of claim 37,wherein said therapeutic apoE protein isapoE3[L261A/W264A/F265A/L268A/V269A].
 50. The method of claim 37,wherein said therapeutic apoE protein isapoE4[L261A/W264A/F265A/L268A/V269A].
 51. The method of claim 37,wherein said therapeutic apoE protein comprises at least one amino acidsubstitution selected from the group consisting of W276X, L279X, V283X,V287X, and V293X, wherein X is any amino acid.
 52. The method of claim51, wherein X is alanine.
 53. The method of claim 37, wherein saidtherapeutic apoE protein comprises at least one amino acid substitutionselected from the group consisting of W276A, L279A, V283A, V287A, andV293A.
 54. The method of claim 53, wherein said therapeutic apoE proteincomprises the amino acid substitutions W276A, L279A, V283A, V287A, andV293A.
 55. The method of claim 51, wherein said therapeutic apoE proteinis a therapeutic apoE1, apoE2, apoE2*, apoE2**, apoE3, or apoE4 protein.56. The method of claim 37, wherein said therapeutic apoE protein isapoE2[W276A/L279A/V283A/V287A/V293A].
 57. The method of claim 37,wherein said therapeutic apoE protein isapoE3[W276A/L279A/V283A/V287A/V293A].
 58. The method of claim 37,wherein said therapeutic apoE protein isapoE4[W276A/L279A/V283A/V287A/V293A].
 59. A nucleic acid encoding atherapeutic apoE protein comprising a naturally-occurring apoE proteinhaving at least one amino acid substitution in the carboxy-terminalregion.
 60. A nucleic acid encoding the therapeutic apoE protein ofclaim
 20. 61-63. (canceled)